History and the Decision to Remove Billy Bud at Sheboygan-Jung Apts – Aug 2023
In 1992, Heartland Properties, Inc. and The Alexander Company, partnered to renovate the former Jung Shoe Manufacturing Company building into apartments.
Randall Alexander, of The Alexander Company, liked to incorporate art into the architecture of his projects. He commissioned Bud Wall, a professor at UW-Platteville to create a chimney sweeper sculpture.
Bill Lange was a student of Bud Wall at UW-Platteville. Bill was the model to create the chimney sweeper sculpture. He was wrapped in old clothes and hot heavy wax to create the mold.
The 6’5” ”Billy Bud” chimney sweeper sculpture was created with stainless steel rods wrapped in aviation fiberglass and designed to withstand 120 mph winds.
August 25, 1992, Billy Bud was affixed to the 90’ tall smokestack at the newly renovated Henry Jung Apartments.
August 1, 2023, Heartland Properties made the decision to remove Billy Bud from the deteriorating smokestack for safety measures. Billy Bud was moved to a secure location to inspect his condition and determine the next step.
